What is Self-harm
Self Harm is any harm which a person does to themselves deliberately, usually without suicidal intent, but with the aim to temporarily make themselves feel better.
Self-harm can include:
Alcohol and drug abuse
Eating disorders
Risk taking behaviour e.g. unsafe sex, reckless driving
Self-injury is generally understood to be directly harmful acts such as deliberately cutting or burning yourself. However there are many different ways in which people hurt themselves.
People self-harm in order to deal with their emotional distress, and in the short term it might help them. However, in the long term it can cause even more problems, and it is not a healthy coping mechanism.
There are many reasons why people start self-harming, and everyone’s experience of self-harm is different.
The Facts
*Telling someone to stop self-harming is likely to make it worse as it can become more secretive
*Self-Harm is usually a warning sign of emotional distress. This distress could be the result of one or more traumatic events or issues eg bullying, bereavement, sexual abuse, domestic disharmony or domestic violence.
*All self-harm should be taken seriously, whether it is a physically superficial scratch or a cut needing stitches.
*It is not self-harm that leads to suicide. It is emotional distress that leads to both self-harm and suicide.
*Self-harm affects males and females of all ages.
*Self harm is not a phase which people will just grow out of – for many it is a long-term problem.
*Self-harm is not attention-seeking behaviour. Most people hide their injuries.
*S.I.S can help people who self-harm!
Help for those who Self-Harm
The good news is that there is help for people who self-harm. For many people just talking to someone can be a big help.
SIS offers a free Counselling service which is available for as long as the person feels it is helping.
How To Be Referred For Help With SIS
SIS do not put any obstacles in our referral route, if you need help or further information simply contact us;-
*by phone 01228 515500 / 525705 Mon - Fri 9am to 5.30pm
*by email info@sis-cumbria.co.uk
*via the website, www.sis-cumbria.co.uk/feedback
You can also be referred by your GP, Family members or anyone who is involved in your care.
Currently we do not have a waiting list and 1st counselling sessions usually take place within 10 working days of initial contact
Some Other Ideas Which Might Help:
*Distraction techniques can help in the short-term, e.g. taking a walk or reading a book.
*Volunteering for a good cause or finding a new hobby can improve self-esteem.
*Speaking to your GP about how you are feeling—there might be an underlying mental health problem which your GP can help you with.
*Learning more about self-harm by looking into the further information sources below and getting in touch with S.I.S.
SIS Information Booklets and Leaflets
SIS has produced a wide range of support literature to help people who self-harm AND to enhance the awareness & understanding of anyone who supports them or is involved with them.
If you require any of the following booklets or leaflets please contact helen@sis-cumbria.co.uk
LEAFLETS - About Our Services
- Hurting ? In Despair ?
- Self Harm Awareness Training
SELF-INJURY FACTSHEETS - Information For Healthcare Professionals
- Information For Schools and Teachers
- Information For Students
- Information For Parents
SELF-HARM, A SHORT GUIDE - For Those Who Want To Understand Why
Someone They Know Is Self-Harming
- To Counselling
- For Pupils In Secondary Schools & Colleges
- For Students
- For Schools & Teachers Including
Policy Guidelines
- For Schools & Teachers Including
How To Write A Self-Injury Policy
- For Parents & Family Members
ALL OF THE ABOVE LITERATURE IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE.
IN ADDITION, SIS HAVE PRODUCED A COMPREHENSIVE WORKBOOK. THIS IS A RESOURCE TO BE USED BY PEOPLE WHO SELF-HARM, EITHER ON ITS OWN, OR AS AN ACCOMPANIMENT TO THERAPY OR GROUP SUPPORT.
This is an invaluable tool for Healthcare Professionals, Carers, 3rd Sector Organisations and the Public which has been in great demand over the past 12 months. The cost of the Workbook is £40 per copy, discounts are available for 3rd Sector organisations and individuals.
To obtain a copy of the Workbook please send a cheque made payable to 'Self Injury Support' with your name and address (P & P inc in price), or ring Steve on 01228 515500 for further details.
If you are attending one of our Workshops, the Workbook is available on the day at a 50% discount !!!!
If you are feeling suicidal and cannot contact SIS,
please immediately contact
Papyrus HOPElineUK - 08000 684141 Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm, 7pm - 10pm, Sat - Sun 2pm - 5pm
or the Samaritans - 08457 909090 - 24hrs a day, 365 days of the year
A good Internet forum for those who self-harm
can be found at
For eating disorder information visit www.b-eat.co.uk
For medical advice contact NHS Direct - 0845 4647 - 24 hrs. Or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
For general mental health issues call MIND on 08457 660 163 or visit www.mind.org.uk
S.I.S has an increasing range of books about mental health issues in our library which you can borrow, without charge.
